Todd Zolecki

He hopes to make that a likelihood this week in Las Vegas, where his agent is looking to negotiate a contract extension for him. Manuel is signed through 2009 with a club option for 2010. Manuel's agent, Pat Rooney, is hoping to extend the contract through 2011. Rooney said Manuel, who turns 65 next month, would like to manage another three to five years.

Jim Salisbury wrote that Manuel will make $1.5 million next season. His option for 2010 is worth $1.7 million. It is believed Manuel is seeking a salary approaching $3 million for 2011. That would put him just below Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella and Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker, whose contracts average more than $3 million per season. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre and St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa average more than $4 million per season.

Framework for an extension is in place, but Manuel's side sees no reason this shouldn't be finalized this week in Vegas.

"We had hoped to have had this done before now," Rooney said. "We hope to get it done this week."

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